Display apparatus with fingerprint identification function

ABSTRACT

A display apparatus with fingerprint identification module within the display region of the display apparatus comprises a first cover and a display module, the fingerprint identification module being between the two. The first cover defines a display region and a non-display region. The fingerprint identification module includes a first substrate, a touch unit, a fingerprint identification unit, a control unit, and a first dummy unit with a plurality of first dummy electrodes. The first dummy unit is coplanar with the fingerprint identification unit. The first dummy electrodes surround the fingerprint identification unit, and cooperate with the fingerprint identification unit to enable uniform light transmittance over the whole display region.

FIELD

The subject matter herein generally relates to security biometrics.

BACKGROUND

Fingerprint identification module has been used for security inprotecting personal information. The fingerprint identification moduleis always an independent module in a display apparatus, separated fromother elements. The fingerprint identification module is located in anon-display region, such as under a HOME key in a non-display region.During the development and fabrication processes of the displayapparatus, it is very difficult to install the independent structure ofthe fingerprint identification module in a narrow bezel.

There is room for improvement in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Implementations of the present disclosure will be described, by way ofembodiment, with reference to the figures.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a display apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along line II-II of FIG. 1 , a firstembodiment of a fingerprint identification module being included in thedisplay apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a planar view of the first embodiment of the fingerprintidentification module of FIG. 2 , with one part circled and enlarged.

FIG. 4 is a planar view of a second embodiment of the fingerprintidentification module of FIG. 2 , with one part circled and enlarged.

FIG. 5 is a planar view of a third embodiment of the fingerprintidentification module of FIG. 2 , with one part circled and enlarged.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along line II-II of FIG. 1 , thefingerprint identification module of the second embodiment beingincluded in the display apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a planar view of an embodiment of the fingerprintidentification module of FIG. 6 with one part circled and enlarged.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along line II-II of FIG. 1 , afingerprint identification module in a third embodiment being includedin the display apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a planar view of the fingerprint identification module of FIG.8 with one part circled and enlarged.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view along line II-II of FIG. 1 , thedisplay apparatus in a fourth embodiment including a second substrate.

FIG. 11 is a planar view of an embodiment of the second substrate ofFIG. 10 with one part circled and enlarged.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view along line II-II of FIG. 1 , thedisplay apparatus being in a fifth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration,where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among thedifferent figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. Inaddition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide athorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, itwill be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that theembodiments described herein can be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, methods, procedures, and components havenot been described in detail so as not to obscure the related relevantfeature being described. The drawings are not necessarily to scale andthe proportions of certain parts may be exaggerated to better illustratedetails and features. The description is not to be considered aslimiting the scope of the embodiments described herein.

The term “substantially” is defined to be essentially conforming to theparticular dimension, shape, or other feature that the term modifies,such that the component need not be exact. For example, “substantiallycylindrical” means that the object resembles a cylinder but can have oneor more deviations from a true cylinder. In general, the word “module,”as used herein, refers to logic embodied in hardware or firmware, or toa collection of software instructions, written in a programminglanguage, for example, Java, C, or assembly. One or more softwareinstructions in the modules may be embedded in firmware, such as anEPROM, magnetic, or optical drives. It will be appreciated that modulesmay comprise connected logic units, such as gates and flip-flops, andmay comprise programmable units, such as programmable gate arrays orprocessors, such as a CPU. The modules described herein may beimplemented as either software and/or hardware modules and may be storedin any type of computer-readable medium or other computer storagesystems. The term “comprising” means “including, but not necessarilylimited to”; it specifically indicates open-ended inclusion ormembership in a so-described combination, group, series, and the like.The disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not by way oflimitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which likereferences indicate similar elements. It should be noted that referencesto “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily tothe same embodiment, and such references can mean “at least one.”Embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference tothe drawings.

The present disclosure describes a display apparatus with fingerprintidentification function, the fingerprint identification module islocated in the display region and thus does not enlarge or insert anon-display region in the display apparatus.

FIG. 1 shows a display apparatus 1 with fingerprint identificationfunction. The display apparatus 1 can be a display device with afingerprint identification function, such as, mobile phone, tablet, orgames machine. In other embodiments, the display apparatus 1 can be adisplay monitor with a fingerprint identification function. The displayapparatus 1 is substantially a flat plate. The display apparatus 1defines a display region 11 and a non-display region 13 surrounding thedisplay region 11.

FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of the display apparatus 1A. The title“1A” indicates the first embodiment, other embodiments of the displayapparatus will be titled “1B”, “1C” etc. The display region 11 furtherincludes a fingerprint identification region 15 (as shown in FIG. 3 ).An area of the fingerprint identification region 15 is smaller than anarea of the display region 11. In one embodiment, the fingerprintidentification region 15 is located on a central bottom center of thedisplay region 11. The display apparatus 1A includes a first cover 10, afingerprint identification module 20, a second cover 30, and a displaymodule 40. A sum of thicknesses of the first cover 10, the fingerprintidentification module 20, and the second cover 30 is 0.7 millimeters(mm).

The first cover 10 and the second cover 30 are made of transparentmaterial, and seal against dust and other impurities from entering. Inone embodiment, the first cover 10 and the second cover 30 can be madeof, for example, transparent glass, quartz, or plastic. Suitablematerials for the transparent substrate comprise, for example,polycarbonate (PC), polythylene terephthalate (PET),polymethylmethacrylate, (PMMA), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), orpolyethersulfone (PES), or combinations thereof. The second cover 30 islocated between the fingerprint identification module 20 and the displaymodule 40. In one embodiment, the first cover 10 and the second cover 30are in a first specified thickness. The first specified thickness is0.175 mm. A shielding layer 17 is located at a surface of the firstcover 10 facing the fingerprint identification module 20. The shieldinglayer 17 is located in the non-display region 15 and is rendered opaqueby use of a material such as ink.

FIG. 3 shows the fingerprint identification module 20 a with one partcircled and enlarged. The fingerprint identification module 20 a cansense user's touch in the display region 11 of the first cover 10 and isfurther configured to accept and recognize, and thus identify,fingerprints applied on the fingerprint identification region 15 of thefirst cover 10. The fingerprint identification module 20 a is locatedbetween the first cover 10 and the second cover 30. The fingerprintidentification module 20 a is pasted on the first cover 10 through afirst adhesive layer 50 and is pasted on the second cover 30 through asecond adhesive layer 60. A thickness of the first adhesive layer 50 isequal to a thickness of the second adhesive layer 60, which is 0.075 mm.In one embodiment, a thickness of the fingerprint identification module20 a is 0.245 mm. The fingerprint identification module 20 a includes afirst substrate 21, a touch unit 22, a fingerprint identification unit23, a control unit 24, and a first printed circuit board (PCB) 28. Thetouch unit 22 is coplanar with the fingerprint identification unit 23,these are located on a surface of the first substrate 21 facing thefirst cover 10. The touch unit 22 and the fingerprint identificationunit 23 are disposed in the display region 11. The fingerprintidentification unit 23 is further disposed in the fingerprintidentification region 15.

The first substrate 21 is made of transparent material. In oneembodiment, the first substrate 21 can be made of, for example,transparent glass, quartz, or plastic. Suitable materials for thetransparent substrate comprise, for example, polycarbonate (PC),polythylene terephthalate (PET), polymethylmethacrylate, (PMMA), cyclicolefin copolymer (COC), or polyethersulfone (PES), or combinationsthereof. A thickness of the first substrate 21 is 0.2 mm.

The touch unit 22 senses a user's touch in the display region 11 of thefirst cover 10. The touch unit 22 includes a plurality of touchelectrodes 221 arranged in a matrix. The touch electrodes 221 aredisposed in the display region 11 and surround the fingerprintidentification region 15. There is no touch electrode 221 in thefingerprint identification region 15. Each touch electrode 221 iselectrically connected with a first metal conductive line 223 through atleast one first hole 224. The first metal conductive line 223establishes an electrical connection between the touch electrode 221 inthe display region 11 and the control unit 24 in the non-display region13. The first metal conductive line 223 is extended along a firstdirection Y. The touch electrodes 221 cooperate with each other to forma self-capacitance touch sensing structure. In one embodiment, a lengthof side of the touch electrode 221 is in a range between 4 mm and 5 mm.An area of the touch electrode 221 is equal to the area of thefingerprint identification region 15. For example, when a size of thetouch electrode 221 is 4 mm*4 mm, a size of the fingerprintidentification region 15 is also 4 mm*4 mm.

The fingerprint identification unit 23 identify the imprint offingertips applied on the fingerprint identification region 15 of thefirst cover 10. In one embodiment, the fingerprint identification unit23 is a capacitance type fingerprint identification sensor and includesa plurality of fingerprint identification electrodes 231 arranged in amatrix. Each fingerprint identification electrode 231 is connected to asecond metal conductive line 234 through at least one second hole 232.The second metal conductive line 234 establishes an electricalconnection between the fingerprint identification electrode 231 and thecontrol unit 24. The second metal conductive line 234 is extended alongthe first direction Y. In one embodiment, the fingerprint identificationelectrode 231 is substantially square in shape. A length of a side ofthe fingerprint identification electrode 231 is in a range between 50 μmand 60 μm. For example, when the size of the touch electrode 221 is 4mm*4 mm, and the size of the fingerprint identification electrode 231 is50 μm*50 μm, a maximum number of the fingerprint identificationelectrodes 231 is 16 mm²/2500 μm²=6400, equal to the quantity of secondmetal conductive lines 234.

The control unit 24 in the non-display region 13 can drive the touchunit 22 and the fingerprint identification unit 23. The control unit 24is disposed on the surface of the first substrate 21 facing the firstcover 10.

The first PCB 28 in the non-display region 13 is disposed on the firstsubstrate 21 and establishes an electrical connection between thecontrol unit 24 and a motherboard (not shown). In one embodiment, thefirst PCB 28 can be a flexible printed circuit board.

The display module 40 displays images. The display module 40 is pastedon a surface of the second cover 30 facing away from the first cover 10through the second adhesive layer 60. The display module 40 includes afirst polarizer 42, a color filter 43, a thin film transistor (TFT)substrate 45, and a second polarizer 46, overlapped in that order. Thedisplay module 40 further includes a second PCB 48. The second PCB 48 isdisposed on the TFT substrate 45.

The first polarizer 42 is located between the second cover 30 and thecolor filter 43. The color filter 43 is located between the firstpolarizer 42 and the TFT substrate 45. The TFT substrate 45 is locatedbetween the color filter 43 and the second polarizer 46. The TFTsubstrate 45 includes a plurality of TFTs (not shown). The TFT substrate45 can be made of, for example, transparent glass, quartz, or plastic.Suitable materials for the transparent substrate comprise, for example,polycarbonate (PC), polythylene terephthalate (PET),polymethylmethacrylate, (PMMA), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), orpolyethersulfone (PES), or combinations thereof. The second PCB 48establishes an electrical connection between the TFT substrate 45 andthe motherboard. In one embodiment, the second PCB 48 can be a flexibleprinted circuit board.

The display apparatus 1A with the fingerprint identification functionintegrates the touch unit 22 and the fingerprint identification unit 23together on a common first substrate 21, and the fingerprintidentification unit 23 is disposed in the display region 11. The displayapparatus 1A can thus be made with a minimal size of bezel. Further, thesecond cover 30 supports the fingerprint identification module 20 a,thus the structural foundation of the fingerprint identification module20 a is improved, and the fingerprint identification module 20 a hasmore protection against damage during a manufacturing process.

FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the fingerprint identificationmodule 20 b with one part circled and enlarged. The fingerprintidentification module 20 b can sense user's touch in the display region11 of the first cover 10 and is further configured to identifyfingerprints applied on the fingerprint identification region 15 of thefirst cover 10. The fingerprint identification module 20 b is locatedbetween the first cover 10 and the second cover 30. The fingerprintidentification module 20 b is pasted on the first cover 10 through afirst adhesive layer 50 and is pasted on the second cover 30 through asecond adhesive layer 60. A thickness of the first adhesive layer 50 isequal to a thickness of the second adhesive layer 60, which is 0.075 mm.In one embodiment, a thickness of the fingerprint identification module20 b is 0.245 mm. The fingerprint identification module 20 b includes afirst substrate 21, a touch unit 22, a fingerprint identification unit23, a control unit 24, and a first printed circuit board (PCB) 28. Thetouch unit 22 is coplanar with the fingerprint identification unit 23,these being located on a surface of the first substrate 21. The touchunit 22 and the fingerprint identification unit 23 are disposed in thedisplay region 11. The fingerprint identification unit 23 is furtherdisposed in the fingerprint identification region 15.

The first substrate 21 is made of transparent material. In oneembodiment, the first substrate 21 can be made of, for example,transparent glass, quartz, or plastic. Suitable materials for thetransparent substrate comprise, for example, polycarbonate (PC),polythylene terephthalate (PET), polymethylmethacrylate, (PMMA), cyclicolefin copolymer (COC), or polyethersulfone (PES), or combinationsthereof. A thickness of the first substrate 21 is 0.2 mm.

The touch unit 22 senses the user's touch in the display region 11 ofthe first cover 10. The touch unit 22 includes a plurality of touchelectrodes 221 arranged in a matrix. The touch electrodes 221 aredisposed in the display region 11. At least one touch electrode 221 isdisposed in the fingerprint identification region 15. A size of thetouch electrode 221 beside the fingerprint identification region 15 islarger than a size of the touch electrode 221 in the fingerprintidentification region 15. Each touch electrode 221 is connected to afirst metal conductive line 223 through at least one first hole 224. Thefirst metal conductive line 223 establishes an electrical connectionbetween the touch electrode 221 in the display region 11 and the controlunit 24 in the non-display region 13. The first metal conductive line223 is extended along the first direction Y. The touch electrodes 221cooperate with each other to form a self-capacitance touch sensingstructure. In one embodiment, the length of a side of the touchelectrode 221 is in a range between 4 mm and 5 mm. An area of the touchelectrode 221 beside the fingerprint identification region 15 is equalto an area of the fingerprint identification region 15. For example,when the size of the touch electrode 221 beside the fingerprintidentification region 15 is 4 mm*4 mm, the size of the fingerprintidentification region 15 is also 4 mm*4 mm.

The fingerprint identification unit 23 can identify a fingerprint on thefingerprint identification region 15 of the first cover 10. In oneembodiment, the fingerprint identification unit 23 is a capacitance typefingerprint identification sensor and includes a plurality offingerprint identification electrodes 231 arranged in a line. Thefingerprint identification electrodes 231 are disposed on a side of thetouch electrode 221 in the fingerprint identification region 15. In oneembodiment, the fingerprint identification electrodes 231 are disposedat the bottom of the touch electrode 221 in the fingerprintidentification region 15 along a second direction X, which isperpendicular to the first direction Y. In other embodiments, thefingerprint identification electrodes 231 can be disposed on a leftside, a right side, or an upper side of the touch electrode 221 in thefingerprint identification region 15. Each fingerprint identificationelectrode 231 is connected to a second metal conductive line 234 throughat least one second hole 232. The second metal conductive line 234establishes an electronic connection between the fingerprintidentification electrode 231 in the fingerprint identification region 15and the control unit 24 in the non-display region 13. The second metalconductive line 234 is extended along the first direction Y. In oneembodiment, the fingerprint identification electrode 231 issubstantially square in shape. A length of a side of the fingerprintidentification electrode 231 is in a range between 50 μm and 60 μm.

The control unit 24 in the non-display region 13 can drive the touchunit 22 and the fingerprint identification unit 23. The control unit 24is disposed on the surface of the first substrate 21 facing the firstcover 10.

The first PCB 28 in the non-display region 13 is disposed on the firstsubstrate 21 and can establish an electronic connection between thecontrol unit 24 and a motherboard (not shown). In one embodiment, thefirst PCB 28 can be a flexible printed circuit board.

The display module 40 displays images. The display module 40 is pastedon a surface of the second cover 30 facing away from the first cover 10through the second adhesive layer 60. The display module 40 includes afirst polarizer 42, a color filter 43, a thin film transistor (TFT)substrate 45, and a second polarizer 46, which are overlapped in thatorder. The display module 40 further includes a second PCB 48. Thesecond PCB 48 is disposed on the TFT substrate 45.

The first polarizer 42 is located between the second cover 30 and thecolor filter 43. The color filter 43 is located between the firstpolarizer 42 and the TFT substrate 45. The TFT substrate 45 is locatedbetween the color filter 43 and the second polarizer 46. The TFTsubstrate 45 includes a plurality of TFTs (not shown). The TFT substrate45 can be made of, for example, transparent glass, quartz, or plastic.Suitable materials for the transparent substrate comprise, for example,polycarbonate (PC), polythylene terephthalate (PET),polymethylmethacrylate, (PMMA), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), orpolyethersulfone (PES), or combinations thereof. The second PCB 48establishes an electrical connection between the TFT substrate 45 andthe motherboard. In one embodiment, the second PCB 48 can be a flexibleprinted circuit board.

With such structure, the display apparatus 1A with the fingerprintidentification function integrates the touch unit 22 and the fingerprintidentification unit 23 together on a common first substrate 21, and thefingerprint identification unit 23 is disposed in the display region 11,thus a narrow bezel of the display apparatus 1A is achieved. Further,the second cover 30 supports the fingerprint identification module 20 b,thus the structural foundation of the fingerprint identification module20 b is improved, and damage to the fingerprint identification module 20b is less likely during a manufacturing process. The number of secondconductive lines 234 is thus reduced, and difficulty of manufacturing isreduced.

FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of the fingerprint identification module20 c with one part circled and enlarged. The fingerprint identificationmodule 20 c can sense user's touch in the display region 11 of the firstcover 10 and is further configured to identify fingerprints applied onthe fingerprint identification region 15 of the first cover 10. Thefingerprint identification module 20 c is located between the firstcover 10 and the second cover 30. The fingerprint identification module20 c is pasted on the first cover 10 through a first adhesive layer 50and is pasted on the second cover 30 through a second adhesive layer 60.A thickness of the first adhesive layer 50 is equal to a thickness ofthe second adhesive layer 60, which is 0.075 mm. In one embodiment, athickness of the fingerprint identification module 20 c is 0.245 mm. Thefingerprint identification module 20 c includes a first substrate 21, atouch unit 22, a fingerprint identification unit 23, a control unit 24,and a first printed circuit board (PCB) 28. The touch unit 22 iscoplanar with the fingerprint identification unit 23 on a surface of thefirst substrate 21. The touch unit 22 and the fingerprint identificationunit 23 are disposed in the display region 11. The fingerprintidentification unit 23 is further disposed in the fingerprintidentification region 15.

The first substrate 21 is made of transparent material. In oneembodiment, the first substrate 21 can be made of, for example,transparent glass, quartz, or plastic. Suitable materials for thetransparent substrate comprise, for example, polycarbonate (PC),polythylene terephthalate (PET), polymethylmethacrylate, (PMMA), cyclicolefin copolymer (COC), or polyethersulfone (PES), or combinationsthereof. A thickness of the first substrate 21 is 0.2 mm.

The touch unit 22 can sense the user's touch in the display region 11 ofthe first cover 10. The touch unit 22 includes a plurality of touchelectrodes 221 arranged in a matrix. The touch electrodes 221 aredisposed in the display region 11. At least one touch electrode 221 isdisposed in the fingerprint identification region 15 and surrounds thefingerprint identification region 15. There is no touch electrode 221 inthe fingerprint identification region 15. Each touch electrode 221 isconnected to a first metal conductive line 223 through at least onefirst hole 224. The first metal conductive line 223 establishes anelectronic connection between the touch electrode 221 in the displayregion 11 and the control unit 24 in the non-display region 13. Thefirst metal conductive line 223 is extended along the first direction Y.The touch electrodes 221 cooperate with each other to form aself-capacitance touch sensing structure. In one embodiment, the lengthof a side of the touch electrode 221 is in a range between 4 mm and 5mm. An area of one touch electrode 221 is equal to the area of thefingerprint identification region 15. For example, when the size of thetouch electrode 221 is 4 mm*4 mm, the size of the fingerprintidentification region 15 is also 4 mm*4 mm.

The fingerprint identification unit 23 can identify fingerprints appliedon the fingerprint identification region 15 of the first cover 10. Inone embodiment, the fingerprint identification unit 23 is a capacitancetype fingerprint identification sensor and includes a plurality offingerprint identification electrodes 231 arranged in a matrix. Eachfingerprint identification electrode 231 corresponds to a switch element236. Each fingerprint identification electrode 231 is electricallyconnected to the control unit 24 through the switch element 236. Acontrol terminal of the switch element 236 is electrically connected tothe touch unit through a first control line 237, and a first connectionterminal of the switch element 236 is electrically connected to thetouch unit 24 through a second control line 238. A second connectionterminal of the switch element 236 is electrically connected to thecorresponding fingerprint identification electrode 231. In oneembodiment, the switch element 236 is a TFT. The control unit 24 turnson the switch elements 236 for fingerprint identification by thefingerprint identification electrodes 231. The control unit 24 can turnoff the switch elements 236 so that the fingerprint identificationelectrodes 231 do not operate. The fingerprint identification electrodes231 in one row are electrically connected to a common first control line237, and the fingerprint identification electrodes 231 in one column areelectrically connected to a common second control line 238. The firstcontrol line 237 includes a first section extending along the firstdirection Y and a second section extending along the second direction X.The second sections of the odd first control lines 237 are disposed on aleft side of the fingerprint identification electrodes 231, those of theeven first control lines 237 are disposed on a right side of thefingerprint identification electrodes 231. The second control line 238extending along the first direction Y is insulated from the firstcontrol line 237. In one embodiment, the fingerprint identificationelectrode 231 is substantially square in shape. The length of a side ofthe fingerprint identification electrode 231 is in a range between 50 μmand 60 μm. For example, when the size of the touch electrode 221 is 4mm*4 mm, and the size of the fingerprint identification electrode 231 is50 μm*50 μm, a maximum number of fingerprint identification electrodes231 is 16 mm²/2500 μm²=6400, equal to quantity of second metalconductive lines 234. The fingerprint identification electrodes 231 arearranged in an 80*80 matrix. Thus, a number of the first control lines237 are 80, and a number of the second control lines 238 are 80. A totalnumber of metal conductive lines in the fingerprint identificationregion 15 is 160, which is less than the sum of the second metalconductive lines 234.

The control unit 24 in the non-display region 13 can drive the touchunit 22 and the fingerprint identification unit 23. The control unit 24is disposed on the first substrate 21.

The first PCB 28 in the non-display region 13 is disposed on the firstsubstrate 21 and can establish an electronic connection between thecontrol unit 24 and a motherboard (not shown). In one embodiment, thefirst PCB 28 can be a flexible printed circuit board.

The display module 40 displays images. The display module 40 is pastedon a surface of the second cover 30 facing away from the first cover 10through the second adhesive layer 60. The display module 40 includes afirst polarizer 42, a color filter 43, a thin film transistor (TFT)substrate 45, and a second polarizer 46, which are overlapped in thatorder. The display module 40 further includes a second PCB 48. Thesecond PCB 48 is disposed on the TFT substrate 45.

The first polarizer 42 is located between the second cover 30 and thecolor filter 43. The color filter 43 is located between the firstpolarizer 42 and the TFT substrate 45. The TFT substrate 45 is locatedbetween the color filter 43 and the second polarizer 46. The TFTsubstrate 45 includes a plurality of TFTs (not shown). The TFT substrate45 can be made of, for example, transparent glass, quartz, or plastic.Suitable materials for the transparent substrate comprise, for example,polycarbonate (PC), polythylene terephthalate (PET),polymethylmethacrylate, (PMMA), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), orpolyethersulfone (PES), or combinations thereof. The second PCB 48establishes an electrical connection between the TFT substrate 45 andthe motherboard. In one embodiment, the second PCB 48 can be a flexibleprinted circuit board.

Based on the above recited structure, the display apparatus 1A with thefingerprint identification function integrates the touch unit 22 and thefingerprint identification unit 23 together on a common first substrate21, and the fingerprint identification unit 23 is disposed in thedisplay region 11, thus a narrow bezel of the display apparatus 1A isachieved. Further, the second cover 30 supports the fingerprintidentification module 20 c, thus the structural foundation of thefingerprint identification module 20 c is improved, and the fingerprintidentification module 20 b is not likely to be damaged during amanufacturing process. The number of metal conductive lines in thefingerprint identification region 15 is reduced based on the switchelements 236, thus a manufacturing difficulty of the display apparatus1A is reduced.

FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of the display apparatus (displayapparatus 1B) taken along the line II-II. The display region 11 alsoserves as the fingerprint identification region 15 (as shown in FIG. 7). A size of the fingerprint identification region 15 is equal to a sizeof the display region 11. The display apparatus 1B includes a firstcover 10, a fingerprint identification module 20 d, a second cover 30,and a display module 40. A sum of thicknesses of the first cover 10, thefingerprint identification module 20 d, and the second cover 30 is 0.7millimeter (mm).

The first cover 10 and the second cover 30 are made of transparentmaterial sealed against dust and other impurities. In one embodiment,the first cover 10 and the second cover 30 can be made of, for example,transparent glass, quartz, or plastic. Suitable materials for thetransparent substrate comprise, for example, polycarbonate (PC),polythylene terephthalate (PET), polymethylmethacrylate, (PMMA), cyclicolefin copolymer (COC), or polyethersulfone (PES), or combinationsthereof. The second cover 30 is located between the fingerprintidentification module 20 d and the display module 40. In one embodiment,the first cover 10 and the second cover 30 are of a first specifiedthickness. The first specified thickness is 0.175 mm. A shielding layer17 is located at a surface of the first cover 10 facing the fingerprintidentification module 20 d. The shielding layer 17 is located in thenon-display region 15 and is made of opaque material.

FIG. 7 shows a fourth embodiment of the fingerprint identificationmodule 20 d with one part circled and enlarged. The fingerprintidentification module 20 d can identify fingerprints applied on thefingerprint identification region 15 of the first cover 10. Thefingerprint identification module 20 d is located between the firstcover 10 and the second cover 30. The fingerprint identification module20 d is pasted on the first cover 10 through a first adhesive layer 50and is pasted on the second cover 30 through a second adhesive layer 60.A thickness of the first adhesive layer 50 is equal to a thickness ofthe second adhesive layer 60, which is 0.075 mm. In one embodiment, athickness of the fingerprint identification module 20 d is 0.245 mm. Thefingerprint identification module 20 d includes a first substrate 21, afingerprint identification unit 23, a control unit 24, and a firstprinted circuit board (PCB) 28. The fingerprint identification unit 23is disposed in the fingerprint identification region 15.

The first substrate 21 is made of transparent material. In oneembodiment, the first substrate 21 can be made of, for example,transparent glass, quartz, or plastic. Suitable materials for thetransparent substrate comprise, for example, polycarbonate (PC),polythylene terephthalate (PET), polymethylmethacrylate, (PMMA), cyclicolefin copolymer (COC), or polyethersulfone (PES), or combinationsthereof. A thickness of the first substrate 21 is 0.2 mm.

The fingerprint identification unit 23 in the fingerprint identificationregion 15 is disposed on the surface of the first substrate 21 facingthe first cover 10. The fingerprint identification unit 23 can identifyfingerprints applied on the fingerprint identification region 15 of thefirst cover 10. In one embodiment, the fingerprint identification unit23 is a capacitance type fingerprint identification sensor and includesa plurality of fingerprint identification electrodes 231 arranged in amatrix. Each fingerprint identification electrode 231 corresponds to aswitch element 236. Each fingerprint identification electrode 231 iselectrically connected to the control unit 24 through a switch element236. A control terminal of the switch element 236 is electricallyconnected to the touch unit through a first control line 237. A firstconnection terminal of the switch element 236 is electrically connectedto the touch unit 24 through a second control line 238. A secondconnection terminal of the switch element 236 is electrically connectedto a fingerprint identification electrode 231. In one embodiment, theswitch element 236 is a TFT. The control unit 24 turns on the switchelements 236 for fingerprint identification through the fingerprintidentification electrodes 231. The control unit 24 further turns off theswitch elements 236 so that the fingerprint identification electrodes231 do not operate. The fingerprint identification electrodes 231 in onerow are electrically connected to a common first control line 237, andthe fingerprint identification electrodes 231 in one column areelectrically connected to a common second control line 238. The firstcontrol line 237 includes a first section extending along the firstdirection Y and a second section extending along the second direction X.The second sections of the odd first control lines 237 are disposed on aleft side of the fingerprint identification electrodes 231, and thesecond sections of the even first control lines 237 are disposed on aright side of the fingerprint identification electrodes 231. The secondcontrol line 238 extending along the first direction Y is insulated fromthe first control line 237. In one embodiment, the fingerprintidentification electrode 231 is substantially in a square shape. Thelength of a side of the fingerprint identification electrode 231 is in arange between 50 μm and 60 μm.

The control unit 24 in the non-display region 13 can drive the touchunit 22 and the fingerprint identification unit 23. The control unit 24is disposed on the first substrate 21.

The first PCB 28 in the non-display region 13 is disposed on the firstsubstrate 21 and can establish an electronic connection between thecontrol unit 24 and a motherboard (not shown). In one embodiment, thefirst PCB 28 can be a flexible printed circuit board.

The display module 40 displays images. The display module 40 is pastedon a surface of the second cover 30 facing away from the first cover 10through the second adhesive layer 60. The display module 40 includes afirst polarizer 42, a color filter 43, a thin film transistor (TFT)substrate 45, and a second polarizer 46, which are overlapped in thatorder. The display module 40 further includes a second PCB 48. Thesecond PCB 48 is disposed on the TFT substrate 45.

The first polarizer 42 is located between the second cover 30 and thecolor filter 43. The color filter 43 is located between the firstpolarizer 42 and the TFT substrate 45. The TFT substrate 45 is locatedbetween the color filter 43 and the second polarizer 46. The TFTsubstrate 45 includes a plurality of TFTs (not shown). The TFT substrate45 can be made of, for example, transparent glass, quartz, or plastic.Suitable materials for the transparent substrate comprise, for example,polycarbonate (PC), polythylene terephthalate (PET),polymethylmethacrylate, (PMMA), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), orpolyethersulfone (PES), or combinations thereof. The second PCB 48establishes an electrical connection between the TFT substrate 45 andthe motherboard. In one embodiment, the second PCB 48 can be a flexibleprinted circuit board.

Based on the above recited structure, the fingerprint identificationunit 23 is disposed in the display region 11, thus the full extent ofdisplay region 11 of the display apparatus 1B can be used foridentifying fingerprints. Further, the second cover 30 supports thefingerprint identification module 20 d, thus the structural foundationof the fingerprint identification module 20 d is improved.

FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of the display apparatus 1C taken alongthe line II-II. The display region 11 further defines further includes afingerprint identification region 15 (as shown in FIG. 9 ). An area ofthe fingerprint identification region 15 is smaller than an area of thedisplay region 11. In one embodiment, the fingerprint identificationregion 15 is located on a central bottom of the display region 11. Thedisplay apparatus 1C includes a first cover 10, a fingerprintidentification module 20 e, a second cover 30, and a display module 40.A sum of thicknesses of the first cover 10, the fingerprintidentification module 20 e, and the second cover 30 is 0.7 millimeter(mm).

The first cover 10 and the second cover 30 are made of transparentmaterial sealed against dust and other impurities. In one embodiment,the first cover 10 and the second cover 30 can be made of, for example,transparent glass, quartz, or plastic. Suitable materials for thetransparent substrate comprise, for example, polycarbonate (PC),polythylene terephthalate (PET), polymethylmethacrylate, (PMMA), cyclicolefin copolymer (COC), or polyethersulfone (PES), or combinationsthereof. The second cover 30 is located between the fingerprintidentification module 20 e and the display module 40. In one embodiment,the first cover 10 and the second cover 30 are in a first specifiedthickness. The first specified thickness is 0.175 mm. A shielding layer17 is located at a surface of the first cover 10 facing the fingerprintidentification module 20 e. The shielding layer 17 is located in thenon-display region 15 and is made of opaque material or materialrendered opaque.

FIG. 9 shows a fifth embodiment of the fingerprint identification module20 e with one part circled and enlarged. The fingerprint identificationmodule 20 e is located between the first cover 10 and the second cover30. The fingerprint identification module 20 e is pasted on the firstcover 10 through a first adhesive layer 50 and is pasted on the secondcover 30 through a second adhesive layer 60. A thickness of the firstadhesive layer 50 is equal to a thickness of the second adhesive layer60, which is 0.075 mm. In one embodiment, a thickness of the fingerprintidentification module 20 e is 0.245 mm. The fingerprint identificationmodule 20 e includes a first substrate 21, a fingerprint identificationunit 23, a control unit 24, a first dummy unit 26, and a first printedcircuit board (PCB) 28. The fingerprint identification unit 23 isfurther disposed in the fingerprint identification region 15.

The fingerprint identification unit 23 in the fingerprint identificationregion 15 is disposed on the surface of the first substrate 21 facingthe first cover 10. The fingerprint identification unit 23 can identifyfingerprints applied on the fingerprint identification region 15 of thefirst cover 10. In one embodiment, the fingerprint identification unit23 is a capacitance type fingerprint identification sensor and includesa plurality of fingerprint identification electrodes 231 arranged in amatrix. Each fingerprint identification electrode 231 is electricallyconnected with a corresponding second metal conductive line 234 throughat least one second hole 232. The second metal conductive line 234establishes an electronic connection between the fingerprintidentification electrode 231 in the fingerprint identification region 15and the control unit 24 in the non-display region 13. The second metalconductive line 234 is extended along the first direction Y. In oneembodiment, the fingerprint identification electrode 231 issubstantially in a square shape. A length of a side of the fingerprintidentification electrode 231 is in a range between 50 μm and 60 μm.

The control unit 24 in the non-display region 13 can drive the touchunit 22 and the fingerprint identification unit 23. The control unit 24is disposed on the first substrate 21.

The first dummy unit 26 is disposed on the surface of the firstsubstrate 21. The first dummy unit 26 includes a plurality of firstdummy electrodes 261 arranged in a matrix. The first dummy electrodes261 and the fingerprint identification electrodes 231 are evenlydisposed, allowing uniform light transmittance in the display region 11.The first dummy electrodes 261 in the display region 11, and at leastone first dummy electrode 261, is in the fingerprint identificationregion 15. The at least one first dummy electrode 261 in the fingerprintidentification region 15 surrounds the fingerprint identificationelectrodes 231. A size of the first dummy electrode 261 is equal to asize of the fingerprint identification electrode 231.

The first PCB 28 in the non-display region 13 is disposed on the firstsubstrate 21 and can establish an electronic connection between thecontrol unit 24 and a motherboard (not shown). In one embodiment, thefirst PCB 28 can be a flexible printed circuit board.

The display module 40 displays images. The display module 40 is pastedon a surface of the second cover 30 facing away from the first cover 10through the second adhesive layer 60. The display module 40 includes afirst polarizer 42, a color filter 43, a thin film transistor (TFT)substrate 45, and a second polarizer 46, which are overlapped in thatorder. The display module 40 further includes a second PCB 48. Thesecond PCB 48 is disposed on the TFT substrate 45.

The first polarizer 42 is located between the second cover 30 and thecolor filter 43. The color filter 43 is located between the firstpolarizer 42 and the TFT substrate 45. The TFT substrate 45 is locatedbetween the color filter 43 and the second polarizer 46. The TFTsubstrate 45 includes a plurality of TFTs (not shown). The TFT substrate45 can be made of, for example, transparent glass, quartz, or plastic.Suitable materials for the transparent substrate comprise, for example,polycarbonate (PC), polythylene terephthalate (PET),polymethylmethacrylate, (PMMA), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), orpolyethersulfone (PES), or combinations thereof. The second PCB 48establishes an electrical connection between the TFT substrate 45 andthe motherboard. In one embodiment, the second PCB 48 can be a flexibleprinted circuit board.

Based on the above recited structure, the fingerprint identificationunit 23 is disposed in the display region 11, thus a narrow bezel of thedisplay apparatus 1C is achieved. Further, the second cover 30 supportsthe fingerprint identification module 20 e, thus the structuralfoundation of the fingerprint identification module 20 e is improved,and the fingerprint identification module 20 e is less likely to bedamaged during a manufacturing process. Further, the dummy electrodes261 and the fingerprint identification electrodes 231 are evenlydisposed for uniform light transmittance in the display region 11.

FIG. 10 shows a cross-section view of a fourth embodiment of the displayapparatus 1D taken along the line II-II. The display region 11 furtherincludes a fingerprint identification region 15 (as shown in FIG. 11 ).An area of the fingerprint identification region 15 is smaller than anarea of the display region 11. In one embodiment, the fingerprintidentification region 15 is located on a central bottom of the displayregion 11. The display apparatus 1D includes a first cover 10, afingerprint identification module 20, and a display module 40. A sum ofthicknesses of the first cover 10 and the fingerprint identificationmodule 20 is 0.7 millimeter (mm).

The first cover 10 and the second cover 30 are made of transparentmaterial sealed against dust and other impurities. In one embodiment,the first cover 10 can be made of, for example, transparent glass,quartz, or plastic. Suitable materials for the transparent substratecomprise, for example, polycarbonate (PC), polythylene terephthalate(PET), polymethylmethacrylate, (PMMA), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), orpolyethersulfone (PES), or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, thefirst cover 10 is in a first specified thickness. The first specifiedthickness is 0.175 mm. A shielding layer 17 is located at a surface ofthe first cover 10 facing the fingerprint identification module 20. Theshielding layer 17 is located in the non-display region 15 and is madeof opaque material.

FIG. 11 shows a sixth embodiment of the fingerprint identificationmodule 20 with one part circled and enlarged. The fingerprintidentification module 20 is located between the first cover 10 and thedisplay module 40. The fingerprint identification module 20 is pasted onthe first cover 10 through a first adhesive layer 50 and is pasted onthe display module 40 through a second adhesive layer 60. A thickness ofthe first adhesive layer 50 is equal to a thickness of the secondadhesive layer 60, which is 0.075 mm. In one embodiment, a thickness ofthe fingerprint identification module 20 is 0.245 mm. The fingerprintidentification module 20 includes a first substrate 21, a touch unit 22,a fingerprint identification unit 23, a control unit 24, a secondsubstrate 25, a first dummy unit 26, a second dummy unit 27, and a firstprinted circuit board (PCB) 28. The touch unit 22 is coplanar with thefingerprint identification unit 23, these being located on a surface ofthe first substrate 21 facing the first cover 10. The touch unit 22 andthe fingerprint identification unit 23 are disposed in the displayregion 11. The fingerprint identification unit 23 is further disposed inthe fingerprint identification region 15.

The first substrate 21 and the second substrate 25 are made oftransparent material. In one embodiment, the first substrate 21 and thesecond substrate 25 can be made of, for example, transparent glass,quartz, or plastic. Suitable materials for the transparent substratecomprise, for example, polycarbonate (PC), polythylene terephthalate(PET), polymethylmethacrylate, (PMMA), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), orpolyethersulfone (PES), or combinations thereof. A thickness of thefirst substrate 21 is equal to a thickness of the second substrate 25,which is 0.2 mm. The first substrate 21 is disposed between the secondsubstrate 25 and the display module 40. The second substrate 25 isdisposed between the first cover 10 and the first substrate 21.

The touch unit 22 can sense the user's touch in the display region 11 ofthe first cover 10. The touch unit 22 includes a plurality of touchelectrodes 221 arranged in a matrix. The touch electrodes 221 aredisposed in the display region 11 and surround the fingerprintidentification region 15. There is no touch electrode 221 in thefingerprint identification region 15. Each touch electrode 221 iselectrically connected with a corresponding first metal conductive line223 through at least one first hole 224. The first metal conductive line223 establishes an electronic connection between the touch electrode 221in the display region 11 and the control unit 24 in the non-displayregion 13. The first metal conductive line 223 is extended along a firstdirection Y. The touch electrodes 221 cooperate with each other to forma self-capacitance touch sensing structure. In one embodiment, a lengthof a side of the touch electrode 221 is in a range between 4 mm and 5mm. An area of the touch electrode 221 is equal to the area of thefingerprint identification region 15. For example, when a size of thetouch electrode 221 is 4 mm*4 mm, a size of the fingerprintidentification region 15 is also 4 mm*4 mm.

The fingerprint identification unit 23 can identify fingerprints appliedon the fingerprint identification region 15 of the first cover 10. Inone embodiment, the fingerprint identification unit 23 is a capacitancetype fingerprint identification sensor and includes a plurality offingerprint identification electrodes 231 arranged in a matrix. Eachfingerprint identification electrodes 231 is electrically connected witha corresponding second metal conductive line 234 through at least onesecond hole 232. The second metal conductive line 234 establishes anelectronic connection between the fingerprint identification electrode231 in the fingerprint identification region 15 and the control unit 24in the non-display region 13. The second metal conductive line 234 isextended along the first direction Y. In one embodiment, the fingerprintidentification electrode 231 is substantially square in shape. A lengthof a side of the fingerprint identification electrode 231 is in a rangebetween 50 μm and 60 μm.

The control unit 24 in the non-display region 13 can drive the touchunit 22 and the fingerprint identification unit 23. The control unit 24is disposed on the first substrate 21.

FIG. 11 shows the second substrate 25 with one part circled andenlarged. The first dummy unit 26 is disposed on a surface of the secondsubstrate 25 facing the first cover 21. Due to a capacitor couplingfunction, the first dummy unit 26 triggers the touch unit 22 to senseuser's touch on the first cover 10. The first dummy unit 26 includes aplurality of first dummy electrodes 261 arranged in a matrix. The firstdummy electrodes 261 are disposed in the display region 11 and surroundthe fingerprint identification region 15. There is no first dummyelectrode 261 in the fingerprint identification region 15. Each firstdummy electrode 261 corresponds to one touch electrode 221. A projectionof the first dummy electrode 261 overlaps with the corresponding touchelectrode 221 along a light emitting direction. A size of the firstdummy electrode 261 is equal to the size of the touch electrode 221. Inone embodiment, the first dummy electrode 261 is substantially square inshape. A length of a side of the first dummy electrode 261 is in a rangebetween 4 mm and 5 mm.

The second dummy unit 27 is disposed on a surface of the secondsubstrate 25 facing the first cover 10. A size of the second dummy unit27 is equal to a size of the first dummy electrode 261 and is furtherequal to the size of the fingerprint identification electrode 231. Dueto a capacitor coupling function, the second dummy unit 27 triggers thefingerprint identification unit 23 to sense user's fingerprint on thefirst cover 10. The second dummy unit 27 includes a plurality of seconddummy electrodes 271 arranged in a matrix in the fingerprintidentification region 15. Each second dummy electrode 271 corresponds toone fingerprint identification electrode 231. A projection of the seconddummy electrode 271 is overlapped with the corresponding fingerprintidentification electrode 231 along the light emitting direction. A sizeof the second dummy electrode 271 is less than the size of the firstdummy electrode 261 and is equal to the size of the fingerprintidentification electrode 231. In one embodiment, the second dummyelectrode 271 is substantially square in shape. A length of a side ofthe second dummy electrode 271 is in a range between 50 μm and 60 μm.

The first PCB 28 in the non-display region 13 is disposed on the firstsubstrate 21 and can establish an electronic connection between thecontrol unit 24 and a motherboard (not shown). In one embodiment, thefirst PCB 28 can be a flexible printed circuit board.

The display module 40 displays images. The display module 40 is pastedon a surface of the second cover 30 facing away from the first cover 10through the second adhesive layer 60. The display module 40 includes afirst polarizer 42, a color filter 43, a thin film transistor (TFT)substrate 45, and a second polarizer 46, which are overlapped in thatorder. The display module 40 further includes a second PCB 48. Thesecond PCB 48 is disposed on the TFT substrate 45.

The first polarizer 42 is located between the second cover 30 and thecolor filter 43. The color filter 43 is located between the firstpolarizer 42 and the TFT substrate 45. The TFT substrate 45 is locatedbetween the color filter 43 and the second polarizer 46. The TFTsubstrate 45 includes a plurality of TFTs (not shown). The TFT substrate45 can be made of, for example, transparent glass, quartz, or plastic.Suitable materials for the transparent substrate comprise, for example,polycarbonate (PC), polythylene terephthalate (PET),polymethylmethacrylate, (PMMA), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), orpolyethersulfone (PES), or combinations thereof. The second PCB 48establishes an electrical connection between the TFT substrate 45 andthe motherboard. In one embodiment, the second PCB 48 can be a flexibleprinted circuit board.

Based on the above recited structure, the display apparatus 1A with thefingerprint identification function integrates the touch unit 22 and thefingerprint identification unit 23 on a common first substrate 21, andthe fingerprint identification unit 23 is disposed in the display region11, thus a narrow bezel of the display apparatus 1A is achieved.Further, the first dummy unit 26 and the second dummy unit 27 areprovided for increasing sensitivity of the touch unit 22 and thefingerprint identification unit 23.

FIG. 12 shows a cross-section view of a fifth embodiment of the displayapparatus 1E taken along the line II-II. The display region 11 furtherincludes a fingerprint identification region 15. An area of thefingerprint identification region 15 is smaller than an area of thedisplay region 11. In one embodiment, the fingerprint identificationregion 15 is located on a central bottom of the display region 11. Thedisplay apparatus 1E includes a first cover 10, a fingerprintidentification module 20, and a display module 40. A sum of thicknessesof the first cover 10 and the fingerprint identification module 20 is0.7 millimeter (mm).

The first cover 10 and the second cover 30 are made of transparentmaterial sealed against dust and other impurities. In one embodiment,the first cover 10 can be made of, for example, transparent glass,quartz, or plastic. Suitable materials for the transparent substratecomprise, for example, polycarbonate (PC), polythylene terephthalate(PET), polymethylmethacrylate, (PMMA), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), orpolyethersulfone (PES), or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, thefirst cover 10 is in a first specified thickness. The first specifiedthickness is 0.175 mm. A shielding layer 17 is located at a surface ofthe first cover 10 facing the fingerprint identification module 20. Theshielding layer 17 is located in the non-display region 15 and is madeof opaque material.

The fingerprint identification module 20 is located between the firstcover 10 and the display module 40. The fingerprint identificationmodule 20 is pasted on the first cover 10 through a first adhesive layer50 and is pasted on the display module 40 through a second adhesivelayer 60. A thickness of the first adhesive layer 50 is equal to athickness of the second adhesive layer 60, which is 0.075 mm. In oneembodiment, a thickness of the fingerprint identification module 20 is0.325 mm. The fingerprint identification module 20 includes a firstsubstrate 21, a touch unit 22, a fingerprint identification unit 23, acontrol unit 24, and a first printed circuit board (PCB) 28. Thefingerprint identification unit 23 is further disposed in thefingerprint identification region 15. The touch unit 22 is coplanar withthe fingerprint identification unit 23, these are located on a surfaceof the first substrate 21. The touch unit 22 and the fingerprintidentification unit 23 are disposed in the display region 11. Thefingerprint identification unit 23 is further disposed in thefingerprint identification region 15.

The first substrate 21 is made of transparent material. In oneembodiment, the first substrate 21 can be made of, for example,transparent glass, quartz, or plastic. Suitable materials for thetransparent substrate comprise, for example, polycarbonate (PC),polythylene terephthalate (PET), polymethylmethacrylate, (PMMA), cyclicolefin copolymer (COC), or polyethersulfone (PES), or combinationsthereof. A thickness of the first substrate 21 is 0.325 mm. The firstsubstrate 21 is disposed between the first cover 10 and the displaymodule 40.

The touch unit 22 is located on the surface of the first substrate 21facing the first cover 10. The touch unit 22 senses user's touch in thedisplay region 11 of the first cover 10. The touch unit 22 includes aplurality of touch electrodes 221 arranged in a matrix. The touchelectrodes 221 are disposed in the display region 11, and surround thefingerprint identification region 15. There is no touch electrode 221 inthe fingerprint identification region 15. Each touch electrode 221 iselectrically connected with a corresponding first metal conductive line223 through at least one first hole 224. The first metal conductive line223 establishes an electronic connection between the touch electrode 221in the display region 11 and the control unit 24 in the non-displayregion 13. The first metal conductive line 223 is extended along a firstdirection Y. The touch electrodes 221 cooperate with each other to forma self-capacitance touch sensing structure. In one embodiment, a lengthof a side of the touch electrode 221 is in a range between 4 mm and 5mm. An area of the touch electrode 221 is equal to the area of thefingerprint identification region 15. For example, when a size of thetouch electrode 221 is 4 mm*4 mm, a size of the fingerprintidentification region 15 is also 4 mm*4 mm.

The fingerprint identification unit 23 in the fingerprint identificationregion 15 is disposed on the surface of the first substrate 21 facingthe first cover 10. The fingerprint identification unit 23 can identifyfingerprints applied on the fingerprint identification region 15 of thefirst cover 10. In one embodiment, the fingerprint identification unit23 is a capacitance type fingerprint identification sensor and includesa plurality of fingerprint identification electrodes 231 arranged in amatrix. Each fingerprint identification electrode 231 is electricallyconnected with a corresponding second metal conductive line 234 throughat least one second hole 232. The second metal conductive line 234establishes an electronic connection between the fingerprintidentification electrode 231 in the fingerprint identification region 15and the control unit 24 in the non-display region 13. The second metalconductive line 234 is extended along the first direction Y. In oneembodiment, the fingerprint identification electrode 231 issubstantially in a square shape. A length of a side of the fingerprintidentification electrode 231 is in a range between 50 μm and 60 μm.

The control unit 24 in the non-display region 13 can drive the touchunit 22 and the fingerprint identification unit 23. The control unit 24is disposed on the first substrate 21.

The first dummy unit 26 is disposed on the surface of the firstsubstrate 21. The first dummy unit 26 includes a plurality of firstdummy electrodes 261 arranged in a matrix. The first dummy electrodes261 and the fingerprint identification electrodes 231 are evenlydisposed for uniform light transmittance in the display region 11. Thefirst dummy electrodes 261 are in the display region 11, and at leastone first dummy electrode 261 is in the fingerprint identificationregion 15. The at least one first dummy electrode 261 in the fingerprintidentification region 15 surrounds the fingerprint identificationelectrodes 231. A size of the first dummy electrode 261 is equal to asize of the fingerprint identification electrode 231.

The first PCB 28 in the non-display region 13 is disposed on the firstsubstrate 21 and can establish an electronic connection between thecontrol unit 24 and a motherboard (not shown). In one embodiment, thefirst PCB 28 can be a flexible printed circuit board.

The display module 40 displays images. The display module 40 is pastedon a surface of the second cover 30 facing away from the first cover 10through the second adhesive layer 60. The display module 40 includes afirst polarizer 42, a color filter 43, a thin film transistor (TFT)substrate 45, and a second polarizer 46, which are overlapped in thatorder. The display module 40 further includes a second PCB 48. Thesecond PCB 48 is disposed on the TFT substrate 45.

The first polarizer 42 is located between the second cover 30 and thecolor filter 43. The color filter 43 is located between the firstpolarizer 42 and the TFT substrate 45. The TFT substrate 45 is locatedbetween the color filter 43 and the second polarizer 46. The TFTsubstrate 45 includes a plurality of TFTs (not shown). The TFT substrate45 can be made of, for example, transparent glass, quartz, or plastic.Suitable materials for the transparent substrate comprise, for example,polycarbonate (PC), polythylene terephthalate (PET),polymethylmethacrylate, (PMMA), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), orpolyethersulfone (PES), or combinations thereof. The second PCB 48establishes an electrical connection between the TFT substrate 45 andthe motherboard. In one embodiment, the second PCB 48 can be a flexibleprinted circuit board.

Based on the above recited structure, the fingerprint identificationunit 23 is disposed in the display region 11, thus a narrow bezel of thedisplay apparatus 1E is achieved. Further, the first substrate 21supports the fingerprint identification module 20, thus the structuralfoundation of the fingerprint identification module 20 is improved, andthe fingerprint identification module 20 is less likely to be damagedreduced during a manufacturing process.

While various and preferred embodiments have been described thedisclosure is not limited thereto. On the contrary, variousmodifications and similar arrangements (as would be apparent to thoseskilled in the art) are also intended to be covered. Therefore, thescope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadestinterpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similararrangements.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display apparatus with fingerprintidentification function comprising: a first cover with a display regionand a non-display region surrounding the display region; the displayregion further comprising a fingerprint identification region; a displaymodule disposed below the first cover, and configured to display images;and a fingerprint identification module disposed between the first coverand the display module; wherein the fingerprint identification modulecomprises a first substrate, a fingerprint identification unit disposedin the fingerprint identification region, a control unit, and a firstdummy unit in the display region; the fingerprint identification unit islocated on a surface of the first substrate facing the first cover; thefingerprint identification unit identifies fingerprint applied on thefingerprint identification region of the first cover; the first dummyunit is coplanar with the fingerprint identification unit, and islocated on the surface of the first substrate facing the first cover;the first dummy unit comprises a plurality of first dummy electrodesarranged in a matrix; the first dummy electrodes surround thefingerprint identification unit, and cooperate with the fingerprintidentification unit to form a uniform light transmittance of the displayregion; the fingerprint identification unit comprises a plurality offingerprint identification electrodes; a size of the fingerprintidentification electrode is equal to a size of the first dummyelectrode; the fingerprint identification unit further comprises aplurality of switch elements; each switch element correspond to one ofthe fingerprint identification electrodes; each fingerprintidentification electrode is electrically connected to the control unitthrough the corresponding switch element a control terminal of theswitch element is electrically connected to the control unit through afirst control line, a first connection terminal of the switch element iselectrically connected to the control unit through a second controlline, and a second connection terminal of the switch is electricallyconnected to the fingerprint identification electrode.
 2. The displayapparatus of claim 1, wherein the display apparatus further comprises asecond cover disposed between the fingerprint identification module andthe display module; the second cover supports the fingerprintidentification module; a sum of thicknesses of the first cover, thefingerprint identification module, and the second cover is 0.7 mm. 3.The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fingerprint identificationelectrode is electrically connected with a corresponding second metalconductive line through at least one second hole.
 4. A display apparatuswith fingerprint identification function comprising: a first cover witha display region and a non-display region surrounding the displayregion; the display region further comprising a fingerprintidentification region; a display module disposed below the first cover,and configured to display images; and a fingerprint identificationmodule disposed between the first cover and the display module; whereinthe fingerprint identification module comprises a first substrate, afingerprint identification unit disposed in the fingerprintidentification region, a control unit, a touch unit, a first dummy unitin the display region, and a second dummy unit in the display region;the fingerprint identification unit is coplanar with the touch unit; thefingerprint identification unit and the touch unit are located on asurface of the first substrate facing the first cover; the fingerprintidentification unit identifies fingerprint applied on the fingerprintidentification region of the first cover; the first dummy unit iscoplanar with the second dummy unit; the first dummy unit and the seconddummy unit are disposed upon the fingerprint identification unit and thetouch unit; the first dummy unit correspond to the fingerprintidentification unit, and the second dummy unit corresponds to the touchunit; the first dummy unit comprises a plurality of first dummyelectrodes arranged in a matrix; the fingerprint identification unitcomprises a plurality of fingerprint identification electrodes; a sizeof the fingerprint identification electrode is equal to a size of thefirst dummy electrode; the fingerprint identification unit furthercomprises a plurality of switch elements; each switch element correspondto one of the fingerprint identification electrodes; each fingerprintidentification electrode is electrically connected to the control unitthrough the corresponding switch element a control terminal of theswitch element is electrically connected to the control unit through afirst control line, a first connection terminal of the switch element iselectrically connected to the control unit through a second controlline, and a second connection terminal of the switch is electricallyconnected to the fingerprint identification electrode.
 5. The displayapparatus of claim 4, wherein the second dummy unit triggers thefingerprint identification unit to sense fingerprint based on acapacitor coupling function.
 6. The display apparatus of claim 4,wherein the touch unit comprises a plurality of touch electrodesarranged in a matrix; a size of the first dummy electrode is equal to asize of the touch electrode; a size of the second dummy electrode isequal to the size of the fingerprint identification electrode.